15 Fall Flavors You’ll Be Craving Way More Than Pumpkin Spice

These aren't your basic recipes at all.

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ByShani Silver

Published on September 9, 2017

Photography by HALF BAKED HARVEST

Whether you eagerly awaited this year’s invasion—er, we mean arrival—of pumpkin spice flavored drinks and treats, or promised you wouldn’t go near the stuff, know that there are more than enough alternative flavors that’ll conjure up some happy thoughts for fall.

Comforting tastes like maple, cinnamon, salted caramel, chocolate, and kabocha squash are the real MVPs of fall—warming, satisfying, and cozy, these recipes will have you looking forward to cooler days and nights in no time.

We’re starting off big. Gingerbread comes into play far before the holidays, especially when paired with a cinnamon-y hot chocolate situation. The chocolate center of these “surprise” beignets will make pumpkin spice treats a faint memory.—SS

Of course we’re going to include at least one coffee-related fall flavor. Friends, it’s butterscotch. To be fair, we enjoy this addictive flavor year round, but when mixed with white chocolate and a warm mug of coffee, something significantly fall comes to mind.—SS

The seeds are the best part—they just are. We all have our go-to seed roasting recipes, but this fall, you might want to mix a little cinnamon in there, too. The smell of roasting seeds with cinnamon filling your home is reason enough to get cookin’.—SS

You knew we’d make apples the star of this show. We all need to figure out what to do with those handpicked bushels (other than eating them right from the tree, obvi), and this impressive brown butter tart is the perfect place to start. Bring it to your next potluck (as long as you don’t mind dishing out the recipe, too).—SS

Yep, sweet potato counts. There were so many scrumptious looking sweet potato-focused recipes out there, we just grabbed the cutest one we could and ran. These little yummies have the added benefit of bringing cuteness to the table, too. —SS

It’s okay to get a little boozy—we love the unexpected presence of herbs in sweet dishes, and the rosemary in this spread is a delight. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to handmade gift by the time the holidays arrive. —SS

Photography by DESSERT FOR TWO

Chocolate Stout Brownies

Beer brownies are the stuff of dreams. Flavored with a coffee stout, these fudgy confections also have a hint of beer in the buttercream frosting. They’re perfect for tailgating, as a book club offering, or even as a casual dessert for post-pizza Friday nights.—MF

Photography by THE ROASTED ROOT

Kabocha Squash Spice Cake With Chai Caramel

This recipe takes advantage of the natural candy-like sweetness of kabocha squash. While we love to roast it or puree it into a soup, the squash finds its natural home in this cake, which is sweetened with coconut sugar and topped with a lick-your-spoon-clean chai caramel. And because there’s squash in it, it counts as eating our veggies… right?

—MF

Photography by DOMESTICALLY BEAUTIFUL

S’mores Hot Chocolate

This playful recipe by Domestically Blissful brings together the flavors of a campfire favorite in a winning, warming beverage.—MF

Photography by JAR OF LEMONS

Apple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Breakfast Toast

Jar of Lemons upgrades a beloved childhood breakfast with the addition of granola, pecans, and pistachios—suddenly, it becomes a perfect, protein-packed option for adults too.—MF

Photography by SPRINKLE BAKES

Maple Belgian Waffle Cake

Whether it’s served as a breakfast or a dessert, this creative cake by Sprinkle Bakes is as comforting as it is sweet and sumptuous. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or a fun brunch offering, it’s a triple-layered, syrup-soaked treat that makes the prospect of dark and cold winter days that much brighter.—MF

Toe the line between sweet and savory with this decadent pizza by Feasting at Home. Flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth bites of sauteed balsamic onions and two types of cheese contrast beautifully with the crispness of the dough and the spiciness of the arugula.—MF

We have an all season love affair with chocolate mousse, but the addition of liquid smoke and ground chipotle pepper makes this particular recipe from Viktoria’s Table a warming, rustic dessert that’s perfectly suited for fall. Add some roasted and chopped nuts, roasted cacao nibs, and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon—then, serve the mousse while cozying up around the season’s first fire.—MF